The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater our own sense of well-being becomes.

The past is just a memory. The future is just a dream. Be here now.

The development of insight is gradual, but the realization of truth is sudden.

Wisdom arises when you see the true characteristics of phenomena through direct experience.

The Buddha and all sentient beings are nothing but expressions of the one mind. There is nothing else.

Sleep is the best meditation.

Meditation is not just about sitting quietly, it's about transforming the mind.

The path to liberation is a gradual path of self-discipline, self-development, and self-transformation.

Nothing we see or hear is perfect. But right there in the imperfection is perfect reality.

As long as our orientation is toward perfection or success, we will never learn about unconditional friendship with ourselves, nor will we find compassion.

When you realize the emptiness of all phenomena, compassion will arise in your heart for all sentient beings who do not understand this truth.

The more we witness our emotional reactions and understand how they work, the easier it is to refrain.

To live fully is to let go and die with each step.

Compassion is the radicalism of our time.

If you love someone, the greatest gift you can give them is your presence.

Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back, and reasons to stay.

Just as true humor is laughter at oneself, true humanity is knowledge of oneself.

The mind that notes and the object that is noted are both impermanent. Understanding this leads to liberation.

The basic idea of Zen is to come in touch with the inner workings of our being, and to do this in the most direct way possible, without resorting to anything external or superadded.

Meditation is not about getting rid of thoughts; it's about changing the way we relate to them.

The zazen I speak of is not meditation practice. It is simply the dharma gate of joyful ease.

Sensations are not your enemy. They are your teacher. Through observing them, you understand the truth of existence.

The secret of happiness is to want what you already have.

The root of all suffering is ignorance. The antidote to ignorance is wisdom that realizes emptiness.

Meditation is not about trying to change your experience; it's about changing your relationship to your experience.

When you note effectively, there is no time for defilements to arise. The mind becomes pure through noting.

The heart of one who practices is like the earth. No matter what they throw on it, the earth remains unchanged.

Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace.

Those who know emptiness, know impermanence. Those who know impermanence, know non-self. Those who know non-self, know peace.

The most difficult times for many of us are the ones we give ourselves.

The things that matter most in our lives are not fantastic or grand. They are the moments when we touch one another.

World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just mere absence of violence. Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human compassion.

Emptiness which is conceptually liable to be mistaken for sheer nothingness is in fact the reservoir of infinite possibilities.